Electrocatalytic water splitting presents an attractive strategy for the sustainable production of green hydrogen. However, the advancement of oxide catalysts for oxygen evolution reactions encounters noteworthy challenges. The oxygen evolution reaction unfolds through a series of intermediate stages involving multiple oxygen-containing species. The efficacy of these oxygen intermediates' binding energy and their alignment with active surface sites fundamentally dictate the OER activity. This dependence extends to the micro-environments influenced by neighboring atoms, nearby defects, and even the electronic configuration of the bulk material. In the context of our research efforts dedicated to designing oxide OER catalysts, we establish a comprehensive correlation between material composition, structural attributes, and overall performance. Through our presentation, we will delve into the underlying principles that govern the design of efficient oxide OER catalysts, encompassing the profound impact of crystal structure and electronic configuration on their electrocatalytic performance.

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Jiangtian Li, Deryn Chu, Blake Smith, and Enoch Nagelli, "Steering oxygen evolution reaction to accelerate electrocatalytic hydrogen production via water electrolysis," Proc. SPIE PC13027, Energy Harvesting and Storage: Materials, Devices, and Applications XIV, PC1302701 (Presented at SPIE Defense + Commercial Sensing: April 22, 2024; Published: 10 June 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3014014.423225ea-9d68-ee11-a99c-005056914f1c.